Matt Landis leads an exercise group with some light stretching.
Matt Landis is the Community Enrichment Manager at St. John’s Herr Estate, our community in Columbia, PA. In a few words, he “keeps life at St. John’s Herr Estate lively” through a variety of activities built to match the diversity of people and personalities on campus. From darts, shuffleboard, and Wii bowling leagues, to fitness groups, trivia, on-campus entertainment, off-site trips, and more, Matt keeps seniors of all skill levels and interests engaged and entertained in the community. “It’s all about having fun and being with people,” he says. Indeed, Matt does such a good job that he occasionally hears residents say there’s so much going on that they have to pick and choose what they want to do!
Matt came to work with us after studying psychology in college and working in early intervention social services. Then in 2009, Matt made the transition from working with young children to working with seniors in what was then the first Activity Aide position at St. John’s Herr Estate. His background in social work adds another dimension to his work with his hands-on approach. “Residents come to understand that we’re there to work with them, not for them,” says Matt.
He has since added to his credentials and taken advantage of educational opportunities offered by Luthercare. Currently, Matt holds both a Personal Care Home Administrator license and Certified Dementia Practitioner license; the training for both of which greatly enhances his ability to work with seniors who need a little help and support to remain living as independently as possible.
But beyond the daily tasks and his impressive qualifications, Matt demonstrates a true level of compassion and dedication to the community. “I see myself as a people person,” Matt says, “interacting with residents is one of my favorite parts of my job.” He also added that he, “would bring home work if it meant he got to spend ten extra minutes talking with a resident.”
Thank you for truly going above and beyond for the community, Matt! Your efforts make all the difference.
Matt Landis entertains at the annual Lights of Luthercare event at St. John’s Herr Estate.
To learn more about career opportunities at Luthercare, visit https://www.luthercare.org/careers/.